Kintsugi is the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with a special tree sap dusted with powdered gold. The result is a one-of-a-kind ceramic. This restoration method does not try to hide the cracks. It celebrates the unique history by emphasising the breaks and fractures, creating a thing of beauty lined with gold. Many consider the repaired pieces to be even more beautiful than the original.
On World Mental Health Day, I can think of no better metaphor than this for the shift in culture that so many of us are pushing for. The way that we look after ourselves and each other needs to reflect kintsugi.
I love nothing more than the privilege of witnessing very special individuals line their wounds with gold and stroll out the door stronger than ever. I hope this profile can provide some of that powdered gold to help you all do the same for yourselves.
